1. Aaron Ruff Sharon Gage

2. How does it happen? When a single fertilized egg develops into two fetuses, and the fetuses fail to separate completely. Result in the physical connection of the two bodies Several types of conjoined twins. Different types depend on where the twins are connected.

3. FAST FACTS In medieval times, conjoined twins were viewed as monsters Used in side shows 40% to 60% of conjoined twins arrive stillborn The overall survival rate is between 5% to 25% 70% of all conjoined twins are girls

4. Jodie and Mary Fused at the lower abdomen Mary depended completely on Jodie Blood supply Vital organs If separated Mary would die Parents were devoted Catholics Courts ruled to separate the two girls, killing Mary

5. Political/Ethical Implications Who should get the right to decide what’s best for the conjoined newborns? Parents Doctors Law Is separation a valid solution?

6. What would you do?

7. Brittany and Abigail Hensel Dicephalic twins One trunk with two heads Parents chose not to separate them at birth Live normal life Play sports Drive a car Attend college http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BkKWApOAG2g

8. What do you think? Should the twin be treated as one person or two? What do you think about these girls dating or one day getting married and starting a family?

9. Works Cited "Abigail and Brittany Hensel Conjoined Twins." Incredible Births. Google. 24 Nov. 2008. "Conjoined Twins, Abby & Brittany Hensel turn 16." You Tube. 13 Sept. 2007. You Tube. 24 Nov. 2008. Fitzpatrick, John. "Jodie and Mary: Whose choice was it?" Spiked-Liberties. 19 June 2001. 24 Nov. 2008. Hartman, Laura. "History of Medicine." History of Medicine. Comp. Duyan Dang and Young Rhee. 21 Aug. 2006. United States National Library of Medicine/National Institutes of Health. 24 Nov. 2008. "Jodie and Mary: The Medical Facts." BBC News. 7 Dec. 2000. BBC News. 24 Nov. 2008. McAllister, J.F.O. "Kill Mary to Save Jodie?" TIME. 10 Sept. 2000. 24 Nov. 2008. "Siamese Twins: The Judgement." BBC News. 22 Sept. 2000. BBC News. 24 Nov. 2008. Trompeter, Jeanette. "Once Conjoined Twins Turn 3, Now Happy and Healthy." WCCO-TV. Nov. 2008. WCCO- TV. 24 Nov. 2008.